PTSA General Meeting Notes, August 16, 2014

Welcome, Call to Order

Terry O’Toole, PTSA President called the meeting to order at 11:13 am. He welcomed everyone to the start of another great school year. He recognized last year’s Executive Board and thanked them for their hard work in laying the foundation that we will build upon this year.

Pledge of Allegiance

Gracie Winogradsky, SGA President, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

Lyn Brown, PTSA Secretary, presented the meeting minutes from the April 14, 2014 PTSA meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved.

Nominate / Elect PTSA Treasurer

Terry O’Toole opened the floor for nominations for PTSA Treasurer. Emily Ayers was nominated from the floor. No other nominations were offered. By unanimous voice vote, Emily was elected for the treasurer position for the 2014-15 school term.

Financial Report

Terry O’Toole reported successful open house results with strong donations to the Enrichment Fund. A full report will be given at the September PTSA meeting. A budget committee will be formed and budget will be presented at the September PTSA for discussion and approval.

Principal’s Report

Ms. Susan McCauley introduced DSA teachers and welcomed Ms. Crittle, the new office administrator. She encouraged parents to stay informed via Infinite Campus, the new grade book / parent portal that replaced ESIS. There is also an app available for download on your smart phone that offers push notifications and other ways to stay in touch on the go. The DSA website is another great resource for “all things DSA”.

Ms. McCauley also reported that the Charter District status decision is to come following community input meetings. Meeting dates will be included in the weekly DSA This Week eblasts.

She concluded that the year is off to a great start!

Foundation Update

Terry O’Toole informed parents that the PTSA supports day-to-day operations and short-term academic programs that directly impact your student. On the other hand, the DSA Foundation supports long-term, arts programs at DSA. He introduced Sue Briss to speak more about the DSA Foundation.

Sue Briss stated that the Foundation raises fund through corporate donations. In an effort to increase donations, they are reaching out to DSA parents for contacts of major donors. She reported that the team from the Goosebumps movie, filmed at DSA over the summer, donated $2500 to the Foundation.

PTSA Call to Action

Carla Jackson, PTSA Vice President, offered parents tools for staying informed and involved. Parents are required to volunteer 20 hours per semester. Volunteer hours may be logged through the DSA PTSA website. She encourage parents to visit the PTSA website (ptsa4dsa.org) for updated information.

Future Meeting Dates:

  • September 15 (PTSA Meeting + curriculum night)
  • October 20
  • November 10
  • January 12
  • February 9
  • March 9
  • April 20

Acknowledgements

Lyn Brown recognized parent volunteers that began work during the summer to ensure a smooth start to school.

  • Beth Laing – DSA This Week! Editor
  • Anne Kosmicki – DSA PTSA webmaster
  • Terry Reid – Volunteer Coordinator
  • Spirit Wear Committee – Kate Phillips, Melanie Leeth, Corrine Graffunder
  • BTS Picnic coordinators – Deborah Caldwell-Carter and Tenesha Kelley

She also recognized Committee Chairs and noted that this information will be updated on the PTSA website ASAP.

The first Board of Director’s meeting will be held on September 15th at 5:30 pm. Committee chairs are encouraged to attend.

Students of the Performing Arts (SPA) Board

Marcus McCleary and Lauren Weiss, co-presidents for the SPA Board, explained how the SPA Board is comprised and gave an overview of what they do.

Closing Remarks

Terry O’Toole invited everyone to join us in the cafeteria for food and fun.

Meeting Adjourned at 11:50 am.